The Development of the Modern Chinese Orchestra in Mainland China and the Chinese Diaspora: A Systematic Literature Review

This article examines the literature on the modern Chinese orchestra, tracing its origins in Mainland China and its evolution within the Chinese diaspora in regions such as Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. The study analyzed 57 Chinese and English publications from 1979 to 2024, sourced from leading databases including Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and CNKI. The review underscores the modern Chinese orchestra’s pivotal role in shaping diverse interpretations of “Chineseness”, cultural identity, educational value, contributions to community cohesion, strategies for financial sustainability, and the reconstruction of musical instruments. This research demonstrates that much of the current literature on the Chinese orchestra primarily examines the monumental, hegemonic, and significant orchestras directed by the experienced generation. In this era of globalization, where musical influences are increasingly diverse, we emphasize the importance of exploring the interactions and power dynamics among different generations of directors, musicians, and composers in shaping the orchestra’s trajectory, repertoire choices, and thematic direction. In addition, the transnational exchange of musical interactions among global Chinese communities through alliances and collaborations will provide a deeper understanding of contemporary “Chineseness”. Critical reviews in these areas will further illuminate the diverse forces and stakeholders shaping and enriching each orchestral performance